(Closed) Trying to plan Vegas

There is SO much there, and having never been to Las Vegas does not help the planning process any. *Sigh*

We are anticipating 20 people or less. FI’s Mom has COPD and has to be indoors. We are not set on staying at a certain hotel yet.

– Should we do the chapel route? Or hotel?

– Should we order more photos from the place we’re doing the ceremony? Or hire a professional to meet us afterwards (there is one – KK Photography – that is very reasonable) and just do the smallest (cheapest) package possible?

– This is going to be an entire weekend DW (as opposed to the traditional elope-ment) so we would really like to keep the whole ceremony/photos/dinner afterwards as cheap as possible… like $600 or less if possible for the ceremony/photos portion.

– Would it be in horrible taste to tell our guests that “Hey we’re eloping to Vegas! Unfortunately because of budget we can’t afford to Host, but if you would like to attend you are welcome to join us Dutch-Treat……… We will be hosting a large reception in 2016 in our home state.” (So far FI’s family and my dearest friends (who live a few hours from Vegas) understand our situation and didn’t have a problem with this ‘clause’ … but I’m hesitant to invite anyone else; and yet I have so many friends out near there (I went to high school in Cali) that if they found out later we eloped and didn’t give them the chance to be there – well – there could be A LOT of hurt feelings with some people I have known for 20+ years.)

If cost is an issue, a chapel would make the most sense. They often have packages and sometimes even wedding gowns. We are renewing our vows in a chapel which includes everything….food, flowers, officiant, photogragher, decorations.

If you’re eloping, that means no guests. If you want to invite guests, you can…but you have to at least provide a meal or something. My friend got married in Vegas at Mandalay Bay, and after the ceremony had everyone up to a hotel suite for cupcakes, champagne, candy, and mini sandwiches.

@peachacid: So that’s an okay option? I was thinking that would be seen as ‘cheap’ but if that’s an okay option I really like it! Most the hotels have a $16/person cake/champagne choice that I really like!

It all depends on whether or not your guests would think a light meal or just cake looks cheap. I don’t see anything wrong with those options, but then my husband and my mother think that even cocktail receptions are unacceptable.

Another less expensive option would be a lunch reception. This way, your guests are getting a full meal without you having to spend as much. People also drink far less at a lunch reception than a evening one.

I’ve booked the Las Vegas Wedding Wagon (http://www.lasvegasweddingwagon.com/)…White trash sounding..I know. But as I have explained to my mother, A MILLION times, i am not getting married out the back of a van. The beauty of this concept is that you get to PICK you location. We picked the Bellagio Fountain at sunset. I can’t wait!

Best part is the price…$129! Yelp and Facebook have nothing but fantastic review of the folks running this operation. That $129 includes 15 digital prints. Extras are something like $1.49 after the first 15.

We are going to do dinner after. So with your $600 budget, this might be a great option! Some of the locations on their website are so lovely! Good luck in your search!!!

I know how you feel – unfortunately we sent our STD for our wedding/reception in MD and then decided to go to Las Vegas, so I feel obligated to let people know. Especially since the MD wedding was a destination for 80% of the guests. Hopefully when people don’t get an invitation, they won’t get offended. The few people I’ve contacted want to come to Las Vegas and the venue holds 20 max. We’re holding the line and telling people a few family/friends only.